Galway, Ireland’s festival city, is about to get another one – Tonnta – celebrating the Irish language and Galway as a bilingual city. Gaillimh le Gaeilge, which works to enhance the visibility and audibility of the Irish language in Gaillimh | Galway has planned the new festival and is co – funded by Galway City Council, Fáilte Ireland, Plean Teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe and Gaillimh le Gaeilge. As part of the designation of Galway as a city of culture and as an official bilingual city, a partnership is also being formed with the Galway Culture Company.
Bríd Ní Chonghóile, CEO Gaillimh le Gaeilge explains:“Is féile dhátheangach a bheidh i gceist le Tonnta ina mbeidh béim ar an nGaeilge. With the help of Irish speakers and a variety of bilingual cultural activities, we aim to introduce more non-Irish speakers to the Irish language. It will also celebrate and showcase our vibrant and unique Gaeltacht culture over the weekend, as well as the legacy of St Brigid.”
Running from February 1st to 5th, the programme will feature a diverse range of performances including:
- Altan at the Townhall Theatre,
- Liam Ó Maonlaí at an Taibhdhearc
- A live interview with the stars of the Beo ar Éigean podcast,
- Trad Rave at the Róisín Dubh
- Fire shows from award winning fire show and light performance artists Rogu
- A Céilí on Eyre Sq
- Focail na mBan comedy performance in the Róisín Dubh
- Bilingual Talks & workshops as well as kids events
Most importantly, the festival will provide plenty of opportunities to practice your Irish, regardless of how much or how little you know.
For more information: www.tonnta.eu
